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A STONE 

OR 

THE HIGHEST CHUECH 

AFTER THE APOSTOLIC ORDER. 

BiBite§ to %\t &iik 

Wherefore it w contained in the scripture ^ 
Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, 
precious: and he that believeth on him shalljn^l:, 
be confomided. 1 Peter. 2, 6. /(<yS ^'' '■ 



- ..,_ ..^^-^ 

Through time, and space be hurie%^ /o, /^ ^^,a v 

Thy labor just begun, '"^^ 

Is doomed to fill the world. 



Roll on progressive Stone, . , Ho^lJl-i^t 
Thy labor just begun, "^ ' ' ' ' " ' ^ 



BY / 

MRS. SYLYIA E.EURR, 

SOUTHFORD, CONN. 

1871. 






^^ 



Entered accordiug to act of Congress, in the 
year 1871, by Mrs. Sylvia E. Burr, in the office of 
the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. , 



Seymour Print, Seymour, Conn. 



PREFACE. 



As this is the first work of the author ever before 
the public, she is well aware of many contending 
difficulties to surmount, yet seeing the necessity of 
such a work is fully determined to persevere, hoping 
some better educated mind, with abler pen, will take 
up the subject where it is left, and carry it unto per- 
fection. 

This is calculated to occupy the space between the 
old sectarian Adews and the new spiritual extremes. 
The first having a form of Godliness, but denying 
the power thereof; ever learning, and never able to 
come to the knowledge of the truth. The second 
calling themselves spiritual, have sanctioned the 
most absurd extremes; some of which will be shown 
in this work. This is not calculated to form a new 
sect, but to help elevate those already formed, to take 
the same relation to churches, as colleges to schools, 
a universal reforming principle. 



^^^ 



^Sr»- 



INTRODUCTION. 

While comnieiiciug this little book there seems 
to be a hallowed influence exalting the mind, 
speaking silently of infinitude in all its varied forms; 
showing definitely that no finite mind can express 
in language the variety of ways to adore the Grreat 
Incomprehensible Power, the source of all power, 
light, life, love, animation, in fact all that it requires 
to make and fill -a universe. Therefore man with 
all his studied maxims is incapable of establishing 
creeds to guide so vast a sea of intellect. Jesus 
who was JiUed with light and endowed with power 
did not pretend to write laws but to live them, so 
men might see His example, and profit thereby. 

We consider His the only true way, leading to 
the best moral system, which if practiced will con- 
vey the greatest amount of good to our fellow mor- 
tals. "Whatsoever ye do to the least of these, ye 
do it unto me." The same voice said "I and my 
Father are one.'' Consequently whatsoever we do 
to our fellow mortals, we do to our Heavenly Fa- 
ther. If we use a person ill, in word or deed, we 
sin against the Creator who gave life and soul, to 
the very one we have injured, thus leaving a dar 
cloud within our sphere to reflect darkness upon 
us, and the deeper the darkness the harder for i. 



to attain to the true light. If we are shrouded in 
a dense mist we are unfit for teachers or leaders. 

No angelic messengers can ever reach us if thus 
enveloped in a cloud. 

No blessed angel can descend, 
With love's soft silken cord 
To throw sweet influence o'er a friend, 

And lead him to his Lord. 
Despise the wrong, and do the right, 

Let love's bright lurid beam 
Disperse the darkness, from the light; 
Sing virtues happy theme. 
When the Holy Nazarene was upon earth He 
took great care to fulfill the scripture. He sent 
his disciples to bring the colt that was tied, on 
which never man sat, that the scripture might be 
fulfilled. He also overthrew the tables of the 
money changers and the seats of them that sold 
doves. If it behooveth the Son of God to labor 
to fulfill the writings of the prophets and holy seers, 
how much more would it become us to follow His 
example? Should we not be likely to receive more 
perfect communion by having the sacred hosts of 
heaven to assist us? Yea, friends, let us work 
with the righteous. 



A STONE. 



Tkou wast cut without a hand 
In the vision of Nebuchadnezzar. 

Gro, explain from mountain land, 
As seen by Belteshazzar. 

"Upon this rock T will build my church, and 
the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." 

There are many reasons for selecting this title, 
for this little work. Christ is compared to the chief 
corner-stone. "To whom coming as a living stone, 
disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of Grod, and 
precious, ye also as lively stones, are built up a 
spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up 
spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus 
Christ." Wherefore also it is contained in the 
scripture, "Behold I lay in Zion a chief corner- 
stone, elect, precious, and he that believeth on 
him shall not be confounded." Being comman- 
ded while in a vision, to write this book, entitled 
A Stone, I felt it my duty to obey: knowing that 
Grod many times chooses the weaker vessels to do 
His work. Therefore we hail the sons and daugh- 
ters of earth to arise and throw off their bonda.o-e. 



8 A STONE. 

Mucli has been said about freedom, yet tliere 
are none free; nor is it possible to become so, only 
in one way; wliich is to become willing to do right 
in all things. What we mean by doing right is 
to arise in religious and moral capacities to so great 
perfection, as to need no laws to compel us to act 
justly toward all, who are permitted to feel our 
influence, by words, or acts^ either directly or in- 
directly. As long as mankind must be compelled 
to honesty, they are devoid of Christianity. 

A true follower of Christ will arise above the 
law of man. The love of Jehovah written in the 
soul, ennobles its aspirations and gives it desires to 
become Grod-like. Wherever the light of the Holy 
Spirit rests a spark of Deity is kindling a flame of 
justice that will enlarge, until the mind is above 
the level of civil law, formed for selfish purposes. 

The great Incomprehensible One has written 
the law, — Live and let live, so plainly in the book 
of nature, that no intelligent being need mistake 
His meaning. We do not expect man, to be per- 
fect while enveloped in clay, yet when the Infinite 
has sent a Son to teach His laws, to our finite fac- 
ulties, if we do not heed them, great will be our 
condemnation. We shall endeavor to make plain 
a few things in which mankind are liable to err. 
and to explain some of the apparent mysteries 
found in the word of Grod. The personality of 
God, and His Son we believe consists of three di- 
vine - not personal - attributes, namely; matter, 



A STONE. 9 

life and will. The ivill^ the controlling power, 
which hath shaped all matter, and produced all 
life, it beino" the great magnet, that workcth ail 
things into comprehensible forms; the great power, 
in which we live, and have our being. 

So vast is His will, that it moves all wimensiti/ 
ofmind^ and matter. In or out of Natures Laivs, 
did He not make natures law^s? Then can He not 
control or work outside of thein if He icills? 

Does not the teacher give rules fov his j^V'pils 
to obey? not himself? or is He to abide by these 
rules, as if all His power was invested in fhein? 

Is it natural for the dead to be restored to life? 

No; Nature has never done this, but the will of 
God; through His Son, has resurected the dead: 
He also gave power to those who believed upon 
His name, to walk upon the water, and to cast out 
devils. I fear that some of the servants of nature 
have cast more devils /«, than out. 

Yet in love and mercy does He condescend to 
work with mortals, if they ivill to work with Hiin. 

"Verily, Verily, I say unto you, he that believeth 
on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and 
greater works than these shall he do; because I go 
unto my Father." St. John 14, 12. 

When a person becomes acquainted with the 
King of Glory, and the true light rests within the 
soul, he will praise God in a manner that all will 
know he has received the "white Stone, and in the 
Stone a new name written which no manknoweth, 



10 A STONE. 

saving he that receiveth it." Eternal happiness, 
do we possess, when we receive this new heart, 
pure as a "white Stone" with the name of Jesus 
written upon it. Jesus, who wds from the begin- 
ning, both Grod and Saviour. Isa 49, 26. "I the 
Lord, am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the 
Mighty One of Jacob." Did not this same Sav- 
iour descend, and take upon himself a form of clay, 
thus becominii' a mortal, that we miuht recognize 
the form, through which the immortal spirit spoke; 
making visible the will-power of Grod while dwel- 
ling in an humble manner, among the inhabitants 
of the eartli. Why could not the Jews, and Gen- 
tiles, behold this power while manifested in their 
very mvht, from day to day? Because of the hard- 
ness of their hearts. Oh! ye blind guides of the 
present day, are ye not f<3llowing in the very foot- 
steps of Jev,^ and G-entile, refusing to accept Christ 
as the inrM'peTfext demonstration of will power, and 
holiness, light and wisdom? 

Holy, because no unholiness was ever manifested 
in Him, either by v>'ord or action. Wise indeed; 
yea, uncomprehended by the wisest. Oh! what 
light surrounded this holy being, when He arose 
from the dead and ascended in clouds of light. 

His mighty u-?7/, broke the bands of death. 
He rose triumpJiant from the earth, 
Leaving a wondering world to find 
How deatli was conquered by His mind. 



A STONE. 11 

How lie himself did resurect, 

Body and soul did reconnect, 

Then did ascend the Victor's tlirone 
To reign, the Mighty Three in One. 

His promises with us remain, that He will return 
to earth again, but Jerusalem and Zion were to be 
rebuilt hefore His second coming. Psalm 102, 13, 
14, "Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion; 
for the time to fiivor her, yea, the set time is come. 

For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and 
favor the dust thereof." When the Lord shall 
build up Zion He shall appear in His Grlor}^ 

The commencement of this long promised Zion 
was to be brought about by the works of women. 
Zech 5, 9-11. "Then lifted up I mine eyes, and 
looked, and behold, there eometh two women; and 
the wind was in their wings; (for thej^ had wings 
like the wings of a stork;) and they lifted up the 
ephah between the earth and the heaven. Then 
said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither 
do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, 
to build it an house in the land of Shiuar; and it 
shall be established, and set there upon her own 
base.' Zech 5, 7. 'And behold there was lifted up 
a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sltteth in 
the midst of the ephah.' Here we find a prophecy, 
that women should lift up the ephah, that is in 
the land of Shiuar, which appears to be upon this 
continent. Zech 8, 7, 'Thus saith the Lord of 
hosts, behold I will save my people, from the east 



12 A STONE. 

country, and from tlie west country/ Jerusalem 
is in the east, then Zion must be in the west. Isa. 
64, 10. Thy holy cities are a wilderness. Zion 
is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation,' 

This country was at that time a wilderness, and 
if it does not compare to the land of Shinar, which 
one does? Our resources are of shining gold and 
silver, and the American intellect a shining light 
among other nations. 

The land of Shinar in the west. 
Shall not remain a wilderness. 
Sons and daughters there shall come 

To raise up Zion's sacred dome. 
Her ensign set on lofty hill, 

The holy scriptures to fulfill. 
That they be called the 'Righteous Trees,' 
Planted by Grod, His will to please. 
'So shall they fear the name of the Lord from 
the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. 
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the 
spirit of the Lord shall lift up the standard against 
him.' Isa 59, 19. 

Let this standard be one of freedom, purity and 
unity. Free to all denominations of whatever per- 
suasion, not limited, but hroad as infinitude; allow- 
ing all thought to expand to its utmost capacity, 
thus developing so vast a variety of soul thought, 
as to create a constant interest; making it impossi- 
ble not to progress. As each active mind suggests 
inquisitive and original thought, it will arouse all 



A STONE. 13 

other slumbering talent, and the greater demand 
for knowledge, 

The greater will be the supply, 

For the fountains of Grod 

Will never run dry. 
Far better would it be, were ail to strive to ele- ' 
vate their immortal souls and live nearer the Im- 
maculate One, instead of wasting their time, and 
making it their life pursuit, to decorate the perish- 
ing clay which will soon be nothing but dust. 
Why will the people strive so hard. 

To show the weakness of the mind. 
Leaving the immortal loveliness 

To perish with the wind? 
'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see 
Grod.' Let us strive to inherit this promise! What 
a glorious, beautiful sight, to behold the living Grod, 
the Holiest of Holy! A vision which would purify 
our every thought, and never, never be erased from 
memory's pages; we should be walking in heaven- 
ly joy while yet dwelling upon the earth. How 
happy, holy, and blessed we should be! 

If woman could only be prevailed upon to lay 
by the follies of dress, show herself a worthy pat- 
ron, a beneficent protector of our race, one half the 
difiiculties will be surmounted. By leaving the 
frivolous, unnecessary fixtures, she will have ample 
time to study righteousness, spirituality, Christian- 
ity, benevolence, in fact all that is important, to 
bring about the principles essential to a general re- 



14 A STONE. 

form. Every good man will appreciate such efforts 
add his influence, and superiority of strength, to- 
gether with every particle of inspiration he can 
attain, for he will at once perceive the philosophy 
of spiritual excellence. Then how essential that 
we should admit the sacred influences, they will 
help us to obtain these required endowments. 

WOMAN. 

Woman, thou art but a vapor, 

Grliding over life's dark sea; 
Lighted by a glimmering taper, 

Frail indeed, as frail can be. 

Vivid rays of sparkling romance. 
Spring up to allure like day; 

Beauty's flowers come up by chance, 
All, alas,, soon fade away. 

Heavenly flowers that bloom immortal, 
Far excel the charms of earth,^ 

When you cross the golden portal. 
There behold what woman's worth! 

Zion's daughters clad in splendor. 
Basking with the gods of love; 

Pointing minds, while young and tender. 
Toward those paths that lead above. 

Spotted as the autumn forest. 

Varied as the evening hue; 
Changing as the fading iris, 

Are the paths laid out for you. 



A STONE, 15 

There in circles of bright glory, 
Around the everlasting throne; 

Angels will listen to your story, 

Woman's worth will there be known. 

'The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.' 
I think this beautiful text of scripture must be a 
source of satisfaction to the fair ones of this world, 
since it is evident the woman was created last, and 
has ever since been considered a little behind or 
below man. Be of good cheer, ladies, you are sure 
of being first in the golden streets. Make ready 
to take your place at the head, it will do you no 
harm, if you begin to make ready for the great 
change, while you are on earth. We have much 
to do, for I would have you conduct the affairs of 
state on quite a difi'erent plan from those you have 
to serve under while your probation lasts. When / 
that blessed time arrives that ye are the stronger 
power, let it be far from you to depend on those 
that are below you, or weaker than yourselves, for 
all the noble graces or pure virtues that exist. 

AYalk forth before weak men, and set them an 
example that will make them blush. Do not by 
them as they have done by you, for they are poor 
miserable wretches, that know not what they do. 

I have often felt ashamed for them, when I have 
heard of their betraying those whom they should 
protect. For shame on such exemplars, they are 
not fit to exist anions: civilized beings: so make 



16 A STONE. 

yourselves ready, for the time will assuredly come, 
as the above, text is true. Show them the reverse 
of the examples they are setting, for that is the 
one thing needful. Stand above flattering an in- 
nocent unsuspecting young man, till lead from the 
path of rectitude, he shall cry out; it was they who 
set the example. 



«»♦>.»»♦»■ 



Woman, Hail! bright, strong and hearty; 

None but a serpent could betray; 
Yet thou canst lead the stronger party 

To Virtue's rich and beauteous way. 

Then arise! ye female nations. 
From the bondage you are in. 

Draw these liege Lords of creation. 
From the darkest sinks of sin. 

Show these dandies of confusion. 
That our weak ones we'll protect; 

If they make the least intrusion 
Woman's ire they must expect. 

Let us guard each female treasure, 
That our Holy God did make; 

And fill to him a bitter measure. 
That dares virtue's laws to break. 

Women, ye are all invited. 

Please to take kind wisdoms course. 
Join hands and hearts be all united. 

We shall need no other force. 



A STONE. 17 

Come all ye fair creatures, that wish to arise, [skies; 
From the place where Eve left you, to one in the 
The gate is but narrow, the path trodden by few, 
If you'll come to my dwelling, I'll show it to you. 

The Odd Poetry, 
What of tjiie men can we expect, 
If our own sex we won't protect; 
Let us one and all unite 
Against the libertines to fight. 

Let us come in virtuous bands, 
To drive these wretches from our lands; 
If men will prove themselves so vile, 
Oh, why should we upon them smile. 

"When fallen men are all rejected, 
And injured innocence protected; 
Woman will rise from degradation, 
And prove an honor to our nation. 

There surely will the power be given. 
From the very highest heaven; 
To repel seductive art. 
If woman only acts her part. 

We shall now endeavor to lay before your minds 
more about gathering stones. See Dan. 2; 34, 35. 
'The stone that smote the image became a great 
mountain, and filled the whole earth/ Our object 
is to smite the image of Christianity, or in other 
words, all those 'having the form of G-odliness, and 



18 A STONE. 

denying the power thereof/ From such, turn thou 

away; and seek the power of the Spirit! 

(We hope we shall find plenty of stones to smite 
the image with, even ready hearts and willing 
hands.) Also smite with distrust ail those claim- 
ing to be spiritual, who are infidel, for they deny 
that perfect spiritual rock, which was manifested 
in Christ. He was the same Spirit, that was rep- 
resented in the original characters, handed to Moses 
as the word of God. He walked and talked with 
Adam in the garden. He appeared to Abraham, 
to Isaac, and to Jacob. He appeared to Abraham 
under the name of Melchisedec, and blessed him, 
while coming from the slaughter of the Kings; for 
we read that He was "made an high priest for 
ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Heb. 6, 20.) 
also that Melchisedec 'was made like unto the Son 
of God; abiding a priest continually.' (Heb. 7, 3.) 

He again appeared to Moses when he smote the 
rock, in the wilderness. This was that spiritual 
rock, which brought forth living water, for the 
children of Israel to partake of. He told His dis- 
ciples, that He was that bread of Life which com- 
eth down from Heaven; yet they could not compre- 
hend Him; because the time had not come for Him 
to be fully understood. He had not assumed his 
power in the earth, or in other words He had not 
become the Head of the Corner. Psa. 118, 22. 'The 
stone which the builders refused, is become the 
head stone of the corner. Here again, he is rep- 



A STONE. 19 

resented as a stone. And he shall be for a sanct- 
uary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock 
of offence, to both the houses of Israel; for a gin 
and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 
Isa. 8, 14. He declared that, 'many should be 
snared, and be taken;' yet he bade them to 'Bind 
up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples' 
in the same chapter. The spirit prophesied, that 
He and the children that was given him, should 
be for signs and wonders in Israel, from the Lord 
of hosts, which dwelleth in Mount Zion. (See Isa. 
8; 15-18.) Now the time having fully come that 
the prophet Isaiah said should come, is it not time 
to stop and consider the fulfilling of the scriptures, 
after so many generations have passed away. Hav- 
ing been told in plain language that 'When they 
shall say unto you. Seek unto them that have fa- 
miliar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and that 
mutter; should not a people seek unto their God 
for the living to the dead? To the law and to the 
testimony; if they speak not according to this word, 
it is because there is no light in them.' Isa. 8; 19, 
20. Now is the very time men are crying out 0! 
0! the wonderful! Go to the medium, you can hear 
from your beloved ones! This great prophecy is 
being literally fulfilled every day in our very midst. 
Yes, these very mediums will tell you, that 
Christ was nothing but a medium. Look! 0! Look 
upon the earth! and see what 'darkness, dimness of 
anguish;' it were better if they should 'fret them- 



20 A STONE. 

selves, curiae flieir leaders, and then, look up unto 
their God;' these people 'that walk in darkness have 
seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of 
the shadow of death, upon them hath the light 
shined.' (Isa. 9, 2.) Those calling themselves 
spiritualists have seen the light herein spoken of, 
they have heard the same spirit of Christ stand at 
the door and knock, yet they have opened their 
minds to all other spirits they conld possibly think 
of, consequently they are deceived by their own 
greedy minds. They seek earthly treasures, in- 
stead of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Some have been richly rewarded in earfhli/ 
treasures and fame among a certain class of infidels. 

Beware, Oh Beware! the witnesses are at thy 
doors, even the Recording Angels. Turn Oh, peo- 
ple! turn, before thou art smitten with thine own 
unbelief, that shall rise up as a testimony against 
thee! Seek unto the living God! 'For unto us a 
Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the gov- 
ernment shall be upon his shoulder: and his name 
shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty 
God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.' 
(Isa. 9, 6.) The leading idea herein expressed is 
that Christ the Son, is also the Father, the Prince 
of Peace, the true and living God; which establish- 
es the fact that He was the Divine Essence of all 
matter. That He appeared to all nations, in some 
form is evident. He also came and clothed him- 
self in flesh that He took from the Virgin Mary; 



A STONE. 21 

which is no more strange, than that a weak man 
like Daniel Home can be elongated or have his 
materialism changed by the power of spirits: which 
is claimed to be a fact beyond dispute. 

If an Angel can change materialism, or take it 
up and move it as hundreds can testify to having 
seen chairs, tables, and pianos moved without phys. 
ical touch; how much more easily could the Divine 
power clothe itself in any shape. No wonder John 
said that 'Grod is able of the^e stones to raise up 
children.' If people believe not it is because they 
seek it not by faith, as St Paul told the Romans 
in Rom. 9; 32, 33. 'Because they sought it not 
by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. 

For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As 
it is written, Behold I lay in Sion a stumbling stone 
and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on 
him shall not be ashamed.' Some have recently 
stumbled, by trying to explain by philosophy; how 
Christ wrought his miracles; crying, there is a nat- 
ural law by which it is done. Now we are bold 
to assert that no such law exists; but rather that 
all laws in Nature are subject to his will; and that 
all snhstance in nature is also subject to his will, 
He being infinite or omnipotent in His power. 

We love nature in her physical grandeur just 
because she is subject to His will. Nature in one 
sense is endowed with a will. Just as man is en- 
do\Ved to act, under Gods will, so is Nature- Man- 
kind being a part of nature himself; is able to 



22 A STONE. 

possess himself of but a small part of her laws. 
AVhen men strive to prove that Grod must be gov- 
erned by the laws which pnite minds can discover, 
they show their weakness of mind, presumptions 
audacity, and foolish vanity; comparing themselves 
to the great soul-power which rules the universe. 
We prophecy that they will ere long be smitten 
down as was King Herod, ^because he gave not God 
the glory.' See Acts 13, 23, where you will read 
that he v^^as smitten by '■the angel of the Lord-y for 
they themselves have long admitted that 'the An- 
gels of God ascend and descend; upon the sons of 
men.' If this is truth (and who can deny it) and 
'the Truth shall make you free;' why not subject 
their wills, to the will of God, and be made free: 
for 'If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye 
shall be free indeed.' 

There is indeed a crowning joy, 

A pleasure, pride can never cloy; 

To clasp the glorious truth at last, 

And in your wisdom hold it fast; 

For truth alone will set you right, 

Receive your crown, in worlds of lightl 
A people worshipping the material part of na- 
ture; leaving the true spiritual roclc^ (which is 
Christ,) have already stumbled. They are not fit 
to help build up the spiritual kingdom of Zion. 
The Lord hath promised that 'the stone shall cry 
out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber 
shall answer it (Hab. 2, 11.) Whomsoever shall 



A STOiSFE. 23 

visit Zion shall hear her stoues cry out, and see 
the answer upon her timbers: for she will assuredly 
be built up, according to the promises of God's 
Prophets. Though many will disbelieve, yet G-od 
is true, who hath said 'Behold, I lay in Zion, for 
a foundation a stone, a tried" stone, a precious cor- 
ner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall 
not make haste.' (Isa. 28, 16.) 'For behold the 
stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one 
stone shall be seven eyes: behold I will engrave 
the graving thereof saith the Lord of Hosts, and I 
will remove the iniquity of that land in one day, 
^ In that day, saith the Lord of Hosts, shall ye 
call every man his neighbor, under the vine and 
under the fig tree' (Zech. 3; 9, 10.) 

When the real, true church, is set upon the earth, 
then we shall be in communion with the Heavens 
daily; the Spirit of the Most High will be with 
mankind to strenthen their minds; the seven holy 
angels will visit us; those that have been in the 
spheres until they are perfect, so that we need not 
be deceived by spirits. 'Behold the Lord's hand 
is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his 
ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities 
have separated betvreen you and your God, and 
your sins have hid his flice from you, that he will 
not hear: for your hands are defiled with blood, and 
3'our fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken 
lies, your tongue hath muttered perverss^ness: none 
calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they 



24 ^ A STONE, 

trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mis- 
chief, and bring forth iniquity.' Isa. 59: 1-4. 

The above shows the precise condition of this 
country. Many will argue thnt it has no reference 
to the present condition or times, yet it is clear to 
the wise and thoughtful part of humanity. Those 
called spiritualists think they see th'j light; indeed 
we can prove by irrefutable evidence, that spirit- 
ualism has facts for its foundation, there is a thread 
of truth running along its whole course, fitherwise 
it would have exploded by its own combustion. 

The indestructible element of truth, has sustain- 
ed it; yet it forms a cloak, like other religious de- 
nominations, for hypocrites to take shelter under*" 
however, it is easy to discern the false element 
from the true spiritual. 

Every man or woman that is heard despising the 
Saviour or hissing at the Jewish Jehovah is igno- 
rant of the true light of the spirit; not one of them 
is anything but sounding brass, and a tinkling cym- 
bal. When you hear a person holding fca'th to an 
audience that the Jewish Jehovah is a myth or 
something to be disregarded, spot him or her for a 
great humbug: or rather a very small animalcule 
of human form, so insignificant that it will require 
a very strong microscope to discern any real good 
in him. We admit he is a little poisonous, with 
his own venom ere long he will burst, or be eaten 
up by his own vagaries. Boston is s;iid to be some- 
what fertile for those insects. They make a great 



A STONE. 25 

noise with their wings, (which are false on close 
inspection.) Free Religion, with its bright stars, 
its intellect, its culture, its science, does not em- 
brace, or call for people to make derision of Jesus, 
and his beautiful followers. 

He was the first substantial true light given to 
mankind. The Jewish Jehovah was the True 
and living God, the first cause of all life, the ex- 
traordinary embodiment of all spiritual substance, 
called life; the embryo of soul-power, on which all 
living souls hang for support in the soul-world; 
without which, the spirits would become extinct, 
they could not exist. The universe would be void, 
and darkness would cover all mankind in oblivion. 

Only behold! the darkness of those few styling 
themselves Professors, increasing like a bunch of 
insects, to be walked upon, and crushed by the 
first true reformer; being in darkness they do not 
see where they stand, any more than St. Paul did 
when he persecuted the true spiritualists of that day, 
that had the power of the spirit, working with 
them. We would not be a fault finder even with 
such Professorships. 

It is not their fault, they teach according to 
what they have received; for they have received 
according to their seeking. All persons seeking 
popularity can find it, (that is if they are endowed 
with common-sense.) They need not seek long. 
If they seek riches (which most of them do) they 
can accumulate earthly treasures; but of what avail 



2(5 A STONE, 

is earthly riches to them if they are left in an un- 
certain state when they go hence. Eut says one, 
I thought you was a spiritualist! So I am in the 
true sense of the word; but I don't believe a spirit 
is a Savior because he may sometimes be allowed 
to act as a guardian angel. 

I know that spirits do communicate, I have both 
seen and conversed with them in various states; 
some that had just left their mortal forms, some 
that had been in the soul-world a number of years, 
(some of which I knew while here,) ethers that 
were glorified beings who had been for ages gone 
from the material formj and among the rest the 
'Son of God,' even Jesus of Nazareth, whom I 
know to be the only begotten So7i of the Living 
God. ^¥oY flesh and blood hath not revealed it 
unto me, but my Father which is in heaven.' 

I am well aware, that some of our modern pro- 
gressionists (so called) will cry out against this 
sentiment, declaring that Jesus is no more the Son 
of Grod., than is any mortal man dwelling upon the 
earth. We would ask all such ti read and inward- 
ly digest the fifth chapter of St. Mark's Grospel, 
from the first to the fifteenth verses, inclusive, where 
we find that the unclean spirit knew Jesus as he 
approached, 'and cried with a loud voice, and said. 
What have I to do with thee, Jesus thou So)i of 
the Most High God? I adjure thee by God, that 
thou torment me not.' 

The name of this unclean spirit is Legion, and 



A STONE. 27 

they are still in the earth; obsessing many of our 
best media, but in the name of the same Jesus, we 
would bid them Depart! even to the herd of swine^ 
for we have too long been a witness of their arro- 
gance and animality. Jesus as I beheld him was 
as much superior to all other spirits ns the glorious 
sMn is superior to a lightning-bug; nor are these 
comparisons anything, His unspeakable light is be- 
yond description, or the reach of the finite or nat- 
ural mind. No mortal mind can possibly behold 
him until it is endowed for that purpose by his di- 
rect will; in other words, clothed by the Spirit of 
the Infinite, acted upon by the Holy Grhost, which 
is the Spirit of the Living Grod; who can as easily 
control a mortal as to give him natural vision. 

You will assuredly be clothed in his light if you 
only seek in faith, 'for the time is come for Zion 
to rejoice in her stones, yea the set time.' 

Should one of these would be deities, or so called 
Professors once get a glimpse of the majesty of 
the Nazarene, they would throw down their assum- 
ed laurels and put on the crown of thorns they 
have been so long preparing. 

The prophet Italah, hath said: 'Go through, go 
through the gates; prepare you the way of the 
people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out 
the stones; lift up a standard for the people. 

Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end 
of the wofld. Say ye to, the daughter of Zion, 
Behold thy salvation cometh; behold hLs reward is 



28 A STONE. 

with him, and his work before him/ Isa. 62; 10, 
11. Some may say, this does not refer to her, at 
the present time; we solemnly ask, to whom then 
does it refer? All that believe the Scriptures are 
sacred should ponder deeply in their hearts upon the 
meaning. If the Lord hath spoken through his 
prophets who shall gainsay him. It is the duty of 
all, to seek to know the truth. Seek if you would 
find! I have long been impressed that some one 
ought to write upon this all important subject; the 
strong impressions together with some visions of 
the mind have brought me to the conclusion that 
I ought to commence and do what little my weak 
capacity was capable of performing. Perhaps it 
will awaken some more influential personage to 
take up the work so plainly laid out for all. 

I should be greatly pleased to find co-laborers in 
the Lord's vineyard. There is plenty of labor for 
whomsoever the Lord shall choose by instilling in- 
to their hearts according to His promises made to 
John the Revelator, that 'the Bride the Lamb's 
wife should make herself ready.* 'And I heard 
as it were the voice of a great multitude.' Rev. 
19: 6. Here we find a great multitude gathered. 

Now the question is, What brought them togeth- 
er? Might it not be that the Lord put it into their 
hearts to do so? 'For God hath put in their hearts 
to fulfill his will.' Rev. 17; 17. 

God it would seem by the above, does in some 
instances work directly upon the hearts of men. 



A STONE. 29 

Our readers may also learn that the last work 
of man, preparatory to the second coming of Ckrist, 
wasj to gather together a society of pure minds 
that should adopt white robes to worship in. 

'What are these which are arrayed in lohite 
rohe.s? and whence came they? Rev. 7: 13. 'And 
to her was granted, that she should be arrayed in 
fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the 
righteousness of saints.' Rev, 19: 8. 

It appears that it was earthly beings that was 
thus arrayed to meet a band of angels or heavenly 
beings. 'And the armies which were in heaven 
followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine 
linen, wJiite and clean.' Rev. 19: 14. 'And they 
shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 

He that over com eth, the same shall be clothed 
in ivhite raiment,^ Rev. 3: 4, 5. I counsel thee to 
buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest 
be rich; and white raiment^ that thou mayest be 
clothed Rev. 3; 18. I saw four and twenty elders 
sitting, clothed in white raiment) Rev. 4; 4. 

We could produce many more proofs, if we 
thought it necessary; but 'a word to the wise is 
sufficient.' We know full well, that none but the 
wise will take heed; yet if we give them all a time- 
ly warning no condemnation will fall upon us. 

Before we enter extensively upon the subject 
of the gathering together of a society of pure 
minds we would make a few remarks upon the 
second coming of Christ. We would ask our readers 



30 ' A STONE. 

to look at all the testimonies of the four evangel- 
ists upon this subject, then of those of John the 
Revelator. In the first chapter he says 'Behold 
he Cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him.' 

See also his last testimony- in the last chapter. 
'Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with 
me, to give every man, according as his works shall 
be.' 'He which testifieth these things saith, Surely 
I come quickly: Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.' 

If the sayings of Christ are not reliable, pray, 
on whom can we depend? Were His sayings ever 
known to fail? If not ponder well all the promises: 
then make haste to meet him, remembering that 
not one jot or tittle of his words will pass until all 
is fulfilled. Bear in mind such sayings as these, 
'the rest of the dead lived not again until the 
thousand years were finished. Rev.' 20; 5. 

A long period indeed, to be in the prison house 
of death. Thus we perceive, that 'The wages of 
sin is death.' Only think of such pay, who can 
live upon such wages? Beware! that you are not 
led astray by Infidelity! It is stalking abroad in 
the land, crying out that Christ was nothing but 
a common man, and all these promises are but 
chaiF, that all miracles are nothing. But what 
can be learned from Nature's laws? The God of 
Nature is a wonderfvl cliap in these days. Some 
go so far as to say that there is no other Grod, and 
all is governed by chance. When you hear such 
base assertions, you can well imagine that they 



A STONE, 31 

CDttie from tiiinds that know nothing of the true 
and living Grod, 

We wjll now present our readere with some 
direct^on^s (given to ns by the spirit) for the gather- 
Uig together of a society of pure minds; or in other 
words the gathering together of stones which are 
to form the n^iateriaJ of which to fouild up Zion, 
the spirtual Temple of our Grod; for we believe that 
the Lord hath put it into the heart of the Biide to 
ftiiake herself ready. The time having arrived, that 
a true Christian Home is needed, some appropriate 
|)lan should be decided upon. Finstilet a suitable 
number of persons become fully persuaded in their 
•own minds that Christ did lay before us the true 
Iprinciples of happiness, that he taught his disciples 
the only way to live abov€ all manner of discord, 
tK) become as obc family, with one interest, thus 
^destroying all lines of distinction. Since our na- 
tion is linwalling to be divided by Mason and Dix- 
f«u's line, would it n«ot be well to destroy a few 
more distinction lines., su-ch for instance as church 
•divisions; let us take away all the sectarian names; 
then all political names a»d titles if you please, 
!then the «tate lines, «o as to become a unit on the 
Lord's earth, for 'Tlie eaith is the Lord's and the 
ifulness thereaf; the woi-ld, and they that dwell 
therein' Psa. 24; 7-10. 'Lift up your heads, ye 
.gates; a«d 'fee ye lifted u|), ye everlasting doors; 
and the King of glory shall come in.' It appears 
IQOW that tJaose gates ami doors have never been 



32 A STONPl 

built, or the King of glory would have come I'n, 

The voice of wisdom bids us build a sanctuary 
to the Lord, 'mighty in battle.' A plan^ must be 
set before the mind, before it can comprehend the 
benefit of organization. 

Suppose each town erect a house of worship, 
with suitable apartments for all who may see fit to 
join Christ^s Church; let their standard be, the two 
great commandments^ to Love the Lord with all 
their hearts; and their neighbors as themselves, for 
on these two hang all the J^aw and the Prophets. 

Now if all law hangs on these, why need men 
spend so miseh of their time writing out laws, and 
legislating. But how are people to be governed? 
asks our readers: We answer, by the Fathers and 
Mothei-s of the Church; throw hy all needlesss laws; 
destroy all needless Jines of distinction, dispense; 
with all high dignitaries; become a law to ourselve;-? 
and be governed only hy the 'kw of Kfo which it? 
in Christ Jesus.' 

Let the great heart of Ameriea, declare herseW 
free from all former chains, from all foffies, fron* 
ail distinction of .sheets or sex, or of color; only let 
the White remaiB While; and the Bkek remaii> 
Blaek, as the LordI of Hosts made them; then strike 
at the mainspring of our sorrows, and omr toils? 
and hardships^ evei* at '"Mystery, Babylon tlie Great^ 
the Mother of Harbtt and Abomimitions of the 
Earth.' This woman is already drunk with blood- 
Does the reader imj[.uire,. whom she may be? In. ai 



A STONE. 33 

word her name is told, it is 'Fashion . 'And the 
merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over 
her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any 
more: the merchandise of gold, and silver, and pre- 
cious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and pur- 
ple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and 
all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels 
of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and 
marble, and cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, 
and frankincense, and wine, and oil. and fine flour, 
and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and 
chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.' Rev. 18; 
11-13. Who cannot perceive that when these are 
gone out of fashion, that the merchants will mourn. 

Here we wish to call your particular attention 
to the fact, that the slaves and souls of men were 
the last thing to strike at. How slavery will be 
destroyed is already evident, but Alas! Alas! how 
many souls of men will be hurried into perdition 
unprepared, the Lord alone can tell. 'And he 
saith unto me. The waters which thou sawest, 
where the whore sitteth, are peoples and multitudes, 
and nations, and tongues.' Rev. 17; 15. 

If we are the people referred to in the above, 
let us hate the whore, until we make her desolate; 
or in other words, let us rise up against Fashion 
and destroy her in every possible way. 

Let us be u^iited, in something more than a mere 
name, Alas! how vain are the titles of earth. 

Shall men vie with each other? Then let the 



34 A STONE. 

strife be to become hoty and God-like, doing good 
unto all alike, striving to elevate the immortal part, 
instead of decorating the physical forms so much, 
to our own inconvenience, and to the great disgust 
of Grod, and his holy angels. When will men and 
women understand that striving one with another 
about dress is one of the most demoralizing acts 
of mortals. We shall endeavour to show some of 
its worst forms. In the first place those that con- 
sider themselves the hon-ton or lipper-tcn spend 
immense sums for dress and equipage which ought 
to be given to educate the poor; thereby elevating 
a class of intellect that would rob society of its 
burden of rogues and loafers. Secondly, it would 
instruct the ignorant females and thus shield vir- 
tue. But says these hig-hngs (to use a familiar 
phrase) What care we for the virtue of these 
brats of the poor? It would do us no good to help 
them! Alas! short sighted mortals! Let us take 
a closer view and see how it will affect them. 

What part are they to act in the great drama of 
life? Only servants you will say. Then if ser- 
vants, they are to be the almost companions of your 
children; from these are learned some of their first 
lessons of evil. Is this all? Would to heaven it 
were, but, alas, the abominable Avoman has just 
begun her work of destruction at your beloved fire- 
side. Now the first work of the wise ones is to 
destroy this woman, Fashion, for she shall be de- 
stroyed, saith the Lord. The quicker the work is 



A STONE. 35 

commenced the better; so let us consider the build- 
ing of a more perfect institution, where wickedness 
cannot reign any longer. We will now consider 
the form and use of a society or gathering together 
of pure minds. In the jfirst place, that labor may 
be made light by many hands, the old adage that 
'many hands make light work' can be verified for 
'in union there is strength.' Secondly: that all 
may have the advantages of education, the schools 
will be free; it being one of its principal objects to 
carry education to its highest possible attainments. 

The more learned the mind becomes, the less it 
enjoys of materiality. The spirit being fed on pre- 
cious morsels of truth, science becomes its food. 

When fashion is no longer an object of ambition 
all will readily free themselves of her incumbran- 
ces. What wise man or woman would wish to slave 
themselves to take care of needless fixtures if they 
should thereby gain nothing but disapprobation 
from those around them? We think from close 
observation as near as we can estimate, that six or 
seven hours a day of labor from all the laboring 
classes would be all that would be needed to sup- 
port the inhabitants in every necessity and in many 
luxuries. Some claim that four hours would be 
a sufficient time to spend in work; others that sev- 
en would not be too much, including time to take 
proper care of our persons, rooms, &c, giving all 
necessary attention to order and cleanliness Man- 
kind being naturally prone to evil, it is time to 



36 A STONE. 

watch our young niiiids while developing both in 

school and out, especially children while at play. 

The mind being intuitive, they must naturally 
and properly try its power. Then it should be 
carefully directed, by nature and pure minds, which 
is utterly impossible under the present dispensation 
of things. No parent can follow the wanderings 
of their offspring, and provide for them, not even 
the wealthier classes, for the physical as well as the 
mental faculties are subject to fatigue. Now to 
remedy these disadvantages some plan must be re- 
sorted to, or we fail in a general reformation, which 
is the principal purpose in reorganizing the higher 
or union church. If we live in an unselfish family, 
loving our neighbors as ourselves, we shall be wil- 
ling they shall have all the advantages we enjoy. 

In what form could- we collect, so as to provide 
for all a home of love and happiness? 

Let us live in a community form, with suitable 
buildings to accommodate all, with proper rooms, 
and with cooking apartnjents, with eating and with 
sleeping apartments. Also educational departments, 
with play and amusement grounds with every con- 
venience for watching the young, while absent 
from parents. Do you ask who is going to watch 
them? Have persons appointed purp'^sely by the 
Fathers and Mothers of the church, whose business 
it should be, to look to all such concerns. These 
church parents should be voted in annually, and 
chosen for their pure principals and goodness, and 



A STONll m 

not for purposes of fame, Let earthly praise be 
dispensed with as far as possible. Who would not 
father be a watcher in the house of the Lord, thau 
to receive the rewards of Weak mortals, or the silly 
praise of human lips? How long will such praise 
last? Only a short season; then death will I'ob yoU, 
while the pure watcher will be robed in white and 
8ee God, ''for the pure in heart shall see Grod/' 

There is an abundance of people scattered 
throughout the nations, who would be made happier 
by living in a situation where sociability could be 
enjoyed, So let every person take into consideration 
the great advantage of living where they can be 
Useful, and enjoy each others society, especially 
those who have no companions or children, Such 
Would be in daily connection with objects of inter- 
est, with every chance to form acquaintances, and 
thus be able to fulfil the great mission of life Avitli 
those your social natures demand, without anything 
to annoy or molest. 

One holy marriage being always commendable 
to all who wish. Celibacy being also commendable^ 
if any wish to devote their whole time to the Mas^ 
ter's service. Just here we would say that what 
Is called *Free Love' (but which should more prop^ 
erly be called 'Free Lust') can find no admittance 
in the pure church of Christ, We admit Love af^ 
one of the Divine attributes, with all its glory, but 
Lust is quite another thing, not to be sanctioned^ 
no not for our moment. Again, all whom Nature 



m A STONE, 

has deprived of the great blessing oi' heCOliiiil*!,' 
pareiitH, can hocoiue such, by the (((/option of little 
t;hildren, for "of Hueh is the Kingdom of Heaven." 

Many have spent a life in solitude and even in 
Borrow f sr the Want of the Society oi' kindred minds^ 
which would bo remedied in gathering' v/ithout a 
Written creed or form, for no mortal is capable of 
Writing a form of worship that would suit every 
mind. It is a mere absurdity to try, for Variety iB 
the beauty of God's work. He who hath created 
so great a variety of minds and forms, hath a holy 
purpose in all His doings. The greater the variety 
the more infinite the happiness derived therefrom* 

Infinitude belongs alone to Deity. If men would 
strive ti develop the greatest possible variety of 
Vninds from every class of intellect, the human 
family would have more to interest them. 

Their sauls would expand by being trained to be 
liberal in principals, the race would improve, the 
gifts would be restored, earth become an Eden. 

Children would be born more pure, the literal 
- millenium realized, the bridal church established,, 
the Christ Principles return to our aid. Then 
Would the scriptures be fulfilled, men would beat 
their swords into ploughshares and their spears in- 
to pruning hooks, and the nations Would learn war 
no more. Thus a Union would be formed the 
powers of earth could not dissolve, and the desert 
be made to bloom as a rose. Men could have the 
advantage of each others strength and intellect to 



A STONE. 39 

subdue and replenish the earth. No one would 
need a slave to wait upon them. All would be 
provided for, of every color, black, white, red or 
brown. If the wealthy do not wish at first to give 
up all their property to become a general frind, let 
them pay as they would in a private family for 
board, until they become satisfied of being better 
off*. It is not to be supposed that all who favor the 
reform should at once move together, but they can 
show their approbation by giving their names to- 
gether with such funds a,s they see fit to give to 
commence with. 

This society is calculated to take the precedence 
of all other churches, or to take the same place 
that a college takes to other schools. Any one 
may join this society without leaving the church 
he or she belongs to. It is not calculated to de- 
stroy, but to help support all pure and holy princi- 
ples. In it the poor will find a home; the fallen 
will learn that mortals can reform and be restored 
if they only repent and adhere to Christian moral- 
ity, without being judged by their fellow mortals. 

Thus fulfilling the scriptures. 'In that day shall 
the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious 
and the fruit of the earth rshall be excellent and 
comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And 
it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, 
and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called 
holy, even every one that is written among the liv- 
ino^ in Jerusalem: when the Lord shall have washed 



40 A STONE, 

away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall 
have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst 
thereof by the spirit ot judgment, and by the 
spirit of burning.' Isa. 4; 2- 4. Be not loth to be 
written as one belonging to God's people; if the 
Lord is to wash away the filth of the daughters of 
Zion, who shall dare judge them wrongfully? 

'And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, 
which shall stand for an ensign of the people, to it 
shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glori- 
ous.' Isa. 11; 10. 

Where now, my friends is the root of Jesse, that 
should stand for an ensign? Can you point it out 
to me? If not, let me point you to it, at Zion and 
Jerusalem. There let us build the sanctuary of 
the Lord, and put the ensign of Christ upon it, 
even the Star of Bethlehem as near as we in our 
weakness can imitate a star, showing thereby that 
we intend to follow the example of Him over whom 
the star of Bethlehem shone, to forgive all outcasts, 
that are among those who may see fit to come to 
the ensign of Christianity. What is more absurd 
than to see a sanctuary dedicated to the Lord with 
a fish or a cock at the top of its spire. Did Jesus 
ever crow, that such a sign should crown his sanct- 
uary? If He always set an example of meekness, 
why not follow Him, or are your works more perfect? 

Do the winds and sea obey you? If so receive 
praise; if not render praise to whom praise is^ due. 

This call is to all, who may understand that the 



A STONE. 41 

time hasteneth when there will be no safety except 
at Zion and Jerusalem. It is not to be expected 
that all will come to the standard of the Lord. 

It was not so promised. 'Go and proclaim these 
words towards the north, and say, Return, thou 
backsliding Israel, saith the Lord; and I will not 
cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am mer- 
ciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger 
forever.' Jer 3; 12. Turn, backsliding children, 
saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I 
will take you one of a city, and two of a family, 
and I will bring you to Zion.' Jer. 3; 14. Some 
will cry out this is all trash, but the wise will take 
heed and read carefully. That it was to be com- 
menced by woman we have already shown, yet 
perhaps it will be as well, to write a few more ref- 
erences. Oh Woman, 

Go, tread these crooked paths of honor, 

Do it gently, though 'tis dreary; 
Trace each winding nook and corner, 

'Till you find the cemetery. 

There lay down these vain alurements, 

For virtue's bright and sparkling ci*owu; 
None but thy modest cndurements, 
Could have won such sweet renown. 
'For I heard a voice as of a woman in travail, 
and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her 
first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that 
bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, 



42 A STONE. 

Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of 
murderers.' Jer. 4; 31. Alas! Alas! I think the 
voice is heard in every part of this land, but Praise 
the Lord for your misery will not last always. 

Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen 
such things? Shall the earth be made to bring 
forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at 
once? 'For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought 
forth her children.' Isa. 66; 8. 

Perhaps it will be as well to explain v/hat was 
meant by a prophetic day, for some may not under- 
stand that they often spoke of a day, when they 
meant the prime of one man's life. How .often we 
hear the expression that all must have their day.' 
Thus a scriptural day did not mean exactly twenty- 
four hours as our day does, it signified nearly thirty 
years, more or less. Many of late have supposed 
that a certain class known as Spiritualists were 
going to reform the world. They are doing their 
labor by preparing the great mass of immortal 
minds yet enveloped in clay to investigate all spirit 
power, and learn the laws of intuition; to cast by 
formalities, to place woman on an equal with man 
in the popular opinion of the world, with equal 
chance to work in the Master's vineyard. 

No true church can ever exist without seers and 
prophets, nor can a spiritual church ever stand 
outside of Christianity. When a person leaves 
Christ and his teachings, they leave their strength 
and foundation. Their principles soon crumble to 



■ • A STONE, 43 

naughty and become a subject; of derision. 

Wlieii I hear a person say, I believe in spirit 
commnni cations bnt do not believe in Christ, I 
think his table has become a snare and a trap, and 
a stumbling block,. 'And David saith. Let their 
table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling 
block and a recompense unto them: Let their eyes 
be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down 
their back always. I say then. Have they stum- 
bled that they should fall? Grod forbid: but rather 
through their fall salvation is come unto the Gen- 
tiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if 
they fall of them be the riches of the world, and 
the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; 
how much more their fullness?' Rom. 11; 9-12. 

Now it appears as if the above quotation had 
express reference to the spirit rapper seers, table 
tippers, &c., for their eyes have been darkened, 
and they have been diminished in the eyes of many, 
and their tables have been a recompense, and a 
snare. It also appears they have aroused the Gen- 
tile churches to jealousy. 

From some of the above proofs we may well 
suppose that these spirit mediums are instruments 
in the hands of the King of glory to bring about 
the great reform; for among them we find some of 
our best scholars, also the best inteDects, to say 
nothing of their great generous hearts, full of hu- 
man kindness; bringing them in, even to Mount 
Ephraim. The vail will soon be withdrawn, and 



44 A STONE. 

their eyes opened. 'For if tlie casting away of 
them be the reconciling of the world, what shall 
the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?' 
Rom. 11; 16. Let all that wish come, of whatso- 
ever persuasion. 'I Jesus have sent mine angel to 
testify unto you these things in the churches. I 
am the root and the offspring of David, and the 
bright and morning star. And the spirit and the 
bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, 
Come. And let him that is athirst Come. And 
whosoever will, let him take the watei-s of life free- 
ly.' Rev. 22; 16, 17. Come to the Bridal-Church, 
and help to make ready the bride: or in other words, 
prepare to be wedded to the principles of Christ; 
not only to preach Christ, but to live up to his 
precepts, as far as in you lies, be so near perfect 
as to need no compulsion to do right. Help to 
cast off the galling chains of fashion and mam- 
mon, become free, live natural lives, help to estab- 
lish a home of rest, where the mind can take its 
proper sphere and not be forever chained down by 
the care of material things. Just so long as men 
live by crowding one another, by making stringent 
laws of their own invention instead of obeying 
God's laws and spend two thirds of their time in 
decorating their earthly forms which will soon be 
cast to the mould, sorrow will build her temples 
in the midst of our habltitions. But just as soon 
as ye strive to clothe the intellect, in garments of 
holiness and purity and give yourselves time to use 



A 8T0NE. 45 

the talents you are endowed with, then will shine 
forth the true light of improvement, the electric 
spark will break the clouds- Deity will work with 
you as soon as you adopt the God-principles, to do 
good to all. Herein lieth the gre^t secret of work- 
. ing mii-acles; So long as you work for selfishness, 
it is like rowing a boat up against a strong current 
which constantly carries you down the stream, for 
Grod is no respecter of persons. If he sees you 
working against the interest of his little ones, all 
of whom he hath created, he will work against 
you. He told Peter, to "feed his Lambs," which 
did not mean to cheat them if he could by taking 
the advantage of them because they are weak. 

Again he said ''■Whatsoever ye do unto the least 
of these, ye do it unto me," Men in their blind- 
ness do not comprehend how they are doing evil 
to God by doing it to what they term a tally neigh- 
bor. But saith one, this is only Christ's teachings. 

It could not have h^Bn God, for Christ was the 
son of Mary; he must have been Jiumun. Well 
suppose he was, is it a thing impossible for God 
to speak through mortal h'ps. Beware how yon 
decide so in your weakness? Go^, learn some of 
the laws of nature. Recently men have learned 
to magnetize a fellow mortal and make him speak 
his own will. Now if one man can control another 
who is hut finite, bow much easier for the Infinite 
to speak through whomsoever he sees fit to use^ 
especially through his own son, created and chosen 
for that purpt)se. 



4S A STONE. 

A VISION OF CHRIST. 

I saw a fa^e beam like the sun, 
When skinino; thron^-h a cloud: 

I heard a voice calling me, 
Distinctly eali aloud. 

"^'The Spirit and the Bride say, Come." 

I answered to the call. 
Then, 0, the love that filled my soul; 

It could not hold it ail. 

I started forth, from my repose. 

Like one that's born anew. 
I saw Grod's work in every rase. 

In every drop of dew, 

I saw his handiwork below, 

Kefuigeiit with his love, 
I said, I'm ready now to go 

And dwell with him above. 

I loved my foes, I loved my friends. 

And all upon God's land, 
Because he had created them 

The work of his own hands. 

I saw his purposes were good, 

Whatever he had done, 
Who has redeemed us all with blood . 

Shed by his lovely Son. 

I would now advance a few ideas concerning the 
life substance that pervades all space. There is 



A STONE. 47 

life in the air which imparts strength to us when 
we breathe. Again there is life in the water and 
in every kind of food that nourishes us. Now, 
what is this refined substance that the natural eye 
cannot see, nor the ear hear, and yet which we 
know exists; for we feel the strength that it gives 
us. Perhaps you would call it electricity, or od- 
force, we care not what name you give it; it is a 
subtle fluid that exists, and hath its origin some- 
where. It seems to be subject to a higher power, 
that of will, for we can perceive that it yields to 
the will in motion, even to the simple movement 
of the hand, and all strength is made of it. How 
much of this life substance is subject to the con- 
trol of mortals is yet to be decided, when men learn 
to unite it by their wills with the will of the Great 
Infinite; the great fault being at present that each 
one is trying to control it alone, so as to attain to 
human glory, instead of being willing to give God 
the glory for the little amount of electric strength 
he has lent them. For we verily believe it is noth- 
ing more nor less than "an emanation from God 
that is fully subject to his will. 

If he pleases he can move this mundane sphere 
as easy as you can move a hand. Just let us rea- 
son a little. If we have strength, there must be a 
fountain from which it emanates, or we should soon 
use it all up: so indeed must our weak wills be fed 
from a higher will. Nor is it strange we cannot 
comprehend it. How can the finite comprehend 



•48 A STONE. 

the Infinite inasmuch as we are but a small spark 
of the great electric fountain of fire, or of light 
and love. If we love the main fountain we must 
love each spark that it is composed of, and if we 
work with the strength of the fountain we must 
also go by the laws that govern it, which is for the 
benefit of each separate spark, or in other words 
for every individual that belongs to the great foun- 
tain of immortal life. For if God is imm,ortaland 
eternal then we must be, for "in Him we live and 
move and have our being.'^ Now if this pure sub- 
stance of life is an emanation as we suppose from 
Deity, it is incapable of being used but once over. 

When we accumulate strength sufiicient to per- 
form an act .or even execute a thought, it takes its 
shape in this refined substance to show that it has 
been used, thus making* an accurate record of every 
ones life. So when the vail of clay is cast off, and 
the spirit set free its record maybe read, being 
plainly written by its own will. How will the un- 
just enjoy it, to have the most secret things of their 
lives, seen and understood? Is .it a wonder that 
Christ said, 'If they should see with their eyes, 
and hear with their ears they would be converted.' 

A question arises, when the laws of justice are 
written so plainly upon the understanding, why 
do we transgress? Again when God sent His own 
Son, to show in whose name these mighty works 
should be performed. Why do men try to do 
them in their own names? Jesus of Nazareth sent 



A STONE. 49 

forth his disciples to work in his name. While 
they adhered strictly to what he taught them, they 
went forth conquering and to conquer, but before 
the generation passed away they began to trans- 
gress. See what John the Revelator said to the 
churches; the angel spirit found fault in all but one 
of them at that early period, and they have been 
growing worse ever since, until the Devil is raging 
with double fury, knowing he hath but little time 
to stay. Look, I beseech you at the great wicked- 
ness being perpetrated in our own country, with- 
out taking a view of the old world. 

Repent! Repent! for the Kingdom of Heaven is 
at hand; for, Lo, Christ hath stood at the door and 
knocked, and you have opened unto many other 
spirits, but not unto Christ. I think it is time to 
open unto him, perhaps he will come in and sup 
with us. Again, 'where two or three are gathered 
together in his name' he has promised to he in the 
midst. Let us try for the right and true way. 
The author of tltis has for a long time been in the 
full belief that if a few persons would assemble 
themselves together in some chosen retreat, there 
to S3ek in the name of Christ for the influx of 
spirit from Him, opening their minds to Him and 
His holy teachings, and to no other spirit, there 
holding circles, useing the power of magnetism, 
all agreeing upon one question, not allowing any- 
thing else to ocupy their though ts^ nor any of them 
trying to excel their companions in anything except 



50 A STONE. 

in real goodness, not willing to receive praise 
from mortal minds, but giving all the glory to the 
Creator, they would soon be wrought upon by the 
Divine Will, so as to be able to perform the same 
kind of miraculous works that the apostles of Christ 
did, and greater. I think that the same laws that 
the apostles were governed by would have the same 
eifect now if applied in the same way. It is not 
to be expected that once or twice sitting would 
accomplish much, but to continue until the ques- 
tions received satisfactory answers. See Matt. 18; 
19, where Jesus says 'Again I say unto you, That 
if two of you shall agree on earth, as touching any- 
thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them 
of my Father which is in heaven.' Now this pas- 
sage carries the express idea, that Grod the Father 
would work direct with men, if they would agree 
as touching one thing. It does not include every 
thing at a time, all in a mass of confusion, only 
one thing, and that in the full belief that the Fa- 
ther would work with them. I believe that the 
Infinite will does work direct with the finite, when 
the application is made right. This is not a mere 
guess-work supposition, for I speak from actual 
knowledge. I confess it because it is a solemn 
truth that in a few instances I have witnessed a 
power that I knew could not have been the ema- 
nation of the human mind. I have seen with Paul 
'■things unspeakahle^ in language. Do not suppose 
that every one caji'step into ii' condition at first to 



A STONE. 51 

know these things. The surroundings must be 
right, the motives pure, the system in a proper 
condition, and most of all, the faith must be strong, 
and the}?^ must be united there in many particulars 
to learn, such as how to prepare both mentally and 
physically. Time is also much needed to prepare 
the spiritual mind for proper development. 

As soon as ths mind becomes pure, the angelic 
messengers will come in and lay the foundation of 
a more perfect work. Then awake! ye pure work- 
ers, from every kingdom under heaven. This 
most perfect institution is designed to help every 
people, to destroy the iniquities now so rife in all 
the inhabited earth. This call is to all, of what- 
ever sect or denomination, to Jews in particular. 
0, lift up your heads all down-trodden Israel! 

Your fore-fathers sang of this New Zion! Your 
children have waited for the 'set-time,' or in other 
words for 'the fullness of time.' Come clergymen 
of every church now in existence! Look closely in- 
to these ideas, send in your strongest aid, opsn the 
minds of your congregations, even all that come 
under your admonitions. We do not ask to have 
you part with your flocks, but to add to their al- 
ready exalted privileges a still higher order, a place 
where your innocent offspring can be educated 
without being destroyed by the foolish generations 
now upon Grod's footstool. Come to a deep consid- 
eration, let into your hearers understanding every 
true spiritual thought, every gift that Christ said 



52 A STONE. 

should follow tliem that believe. If you stand 
dormant any longer to let the enemy take away all 
the deep spiritual minds, your churches will be all 
forms with no reality, "having the form of Grodli- 
ness, but denying the power thereof.'^ Oh! Oh! 
will you stand still and let Infidelity steal the best 
lambs of your flocks. Lock! Look yel be wise, An- 
tichrist is pooping in on every side. Your crimson 
curtains and stained glass will not hide your little 
ones. A mighty effort must be made; all pure 
Christian spiritual minds must be united or there 
will be more tares than wheat at the harvest. 
Come all true spiritual workers, all liberalists who 
have lacked independence of character sufficient 
to face Madam Grundy, or the popular opinion of 
the world, you have tied up your very soul-powers 
in a handkerchief of smooth infidelity. They tell 
you tliat all God's sacred workers were ignorant, 
that the Scriptures should be laid by, when in 
reality they should be better understood and their 
spiritual significance explained by real inspired 
teachers. Prophetic seers should be at once ad- 
mitted into every denomination. The Holy Ghost 
should be the lio'ht of the great Union Church or 
New Zion that travaileth to be delivered from sin. 

In one day she shall be free for the Lord of 
Hosts hath declared it through all his prophets. 

The scriptures must be fulfilled. "If he called 
them gods unto whom the word of God came, and 
the scriptures cannot he hrohcnr St John 10; 35. 



A STOXE. 53 

Now if Christ's works are true, come and help 
fulfill them. Most, if not all the influential churches 
raised their hands with holy horror, when the 
spiritual phenomena made its appearance, instead 
of which they should have investigated it thorough- 
ly, then opened their societies to every fact estab- 
lished, admitting every ray of light from the inner 
land. John the Divine told those to whom he 
wrote to "Try the Spirits whether they are of God ' 
saying "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every 
spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come m 
the flesh, is of God: And every spirit that confess- 
eth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is 
not of God, And this is that spirit of antichrist, 
whereof ye have heard that it should come; and 
even now already is it in the world" Now if there 
are no spirits, why did John tell his followers to 
try them. All the sects have made an oversight, or 
great mistake which ought to be immediately rec- 
tified. By denying those that believe in spirit 
communion the full fellowship of their churches, 
they open the door to Infidelity, which will ulti- 
mate in immorality, thus destroying the little spark 
of Virtue left. Shall the great heart of America 
yield to licentiousness by allowing Libertines to 
lead under glowing Banners' calculated to lead 
young minds astray? 

The young, the innocent, the gay, 
Fall first the spoiler's prey; 

Evil spirits lay their snares. 
To lead young minds away. 



54 A STONE. 

Fathers and Mothers, look to this, Brothers and 
Sisters, also gray headed Sires, we conjure you by 
all the power of love, to give your last gleam of 
strength to rebuke this monster that is likely to 
sap the very foundations of virtue, leaving the 
rising generation void of all that makes life dear. 

Instead of diminishing virtue it should be 
strengthened. Children should be kept in a pure 
state untill fully matured. They should not be 
allowed to read the low defiled matter in our pub- 
lic prints. Almost every newspaper contains more 
or less that is not fit for children to read. For 
people to suffer such publications to exist shows 
plainly they are deficient in morality to say noth- 
ing of Christianity. We see no way for even a 
remnant of pure minds to be sustained unless we 
build up Temples of Purity wherein to educate our 
young without having to pay suGh. fearful prices. . 

When a child is once polluted there is no resto- 
ration. Quacks may tell you that ^Manhood can 
be restored,' but believe them not, for it is utterly 
false, on)y a pretension to rob you of innocence. 

We are now ready to receive friends of every 
description, all that see the importance of such a 
work are invited to send in their mite, all Church- 
es are invited to take up subscriptions for this 
purpose. Instead of sending to a foreign heathen 
people, let charity begin at home. We have al- 
ready received several names, with some funds, 
also my noble Husband has opened his generous 



A STONE. 55 

heart, and given a beautiful site for a beginning. 

He has given a nice plot of land that is on high 
and handsome ground, with the center a little the 
highest. It commands a splendid view of a lovely 
landscape. Standing upon the center it overlooks 
some twenty miles of romantic scenery. It is worth 
more than a thousand dollars as it now is without 
any improvements. Whoever sends in will be no- 
ticed in our public prints according to their gifts. 

All small funds will be carefully recorded, to 
show who are the first founders of the 'highest of 
high gatherings,' Oh! Oh! Jerusalem follow our 
example. We hope all Philanthropists will look 
at these works before bestowing their wealth for 
foolish purposes. All Millionaires who wish to do 
the greatest amount of good to their fellow mortals, 
thereby becoming Grod-like by doing the will of 
God on earth, all wealthy Maidens who would lay 
up treasures in Heaven by good works, and all 
good hearted Bachelors, who have suffered from a 
lonely life, or for the want of a virtuous woman 
whose price is far above rubies, send or bring in 
at once. If you cannot help the past, you can aid 
the rising generation. Fathers and Mothers who 
view the dangers your offspring will fall into, place 
them at once under the care of the Watchers on 
Zion's Battlements. Come all True Moral Refor- 
mers, and adopt our motto which is 'Holiness to 
the Lord.' Such as have no gifts, adopt our motto 
and forward your names. 



5^ A STONE. 

The author does not expect to spend any of the 
acennmlated funds except what is required in puh- 
lishing the work, AH the rest will he put at in- 
terest ubtil the members shall vote as to when and 
where it can be spent to do the greatest amount of 
good. If they should choose some other locality 
the funds will be at the command of the majority 
of members who will all be inforaied in time to 
decide. We have several names already of people 
of high standing and wealth who sanction the un- 
dertaking. One learned Judge says he gives his 
name and aid on account of the liberality of the 
institution, it being on so broad a platform, taking 
men of every profession, not requiring any written 
laws. Only the strictest laws of morality are en- 
joined upon its members. No one is required to 
leave any religious society who may wish to help 
build up this Holy Institution, as it is only going- 
higher in every virtue: trying to eradicate the 
fashionable evils of the day; then to establish re- 
ligious and spiritual union, so people may have a 
chance to investigate deeper into the laws of de- 
velopments, allowing the natural intuition of 
thoughts to expand into all the variety of beauti- 
ful forms, being indeed a real living example of 
God through his works even man. ^-In him ye 
live and have a being" said the man Jesus. 

Now if we live in him and he in us we may as 
well be doing the Father's works; for he doeth good 
unto all. He said but if I do not the works of the 



A STONE. 57 

Father believe me not. John lOj 37, 38. In the 
same chapter Jesus answered them, "If? it not 
written in your hxw, I said ye are Gods? If he called 
them Grods, unto whom the word of God came, 
and the scripture cannot be broken.'* If we are 
called Gods why not try a little harder to do his 
work. If the scripture cannot be broken, will it 
not hasten the millennium, or a higher condition 
of religious delights where souls can be fed with 
spiritual food. Or is. there no joy in holding com- 
munion with the Angels? My friend may say he 
does not believe in spirits coming back to commu- 
uicate. Why my dear Brother, that is the very 
kind of disbelief that keeps them from coming to 
you. If you do not admit them to your presence 
some other one will, and leave you in your igno- 
rance. For ''Simeon hath declared how God at 
the first did visit the Gentiles; to take out of them 
a people for his name. And to this agree the words 
of the prophets; as it is written, iVfter this I will 
return, and will build again the tabernacle of David 
which is fallen down; and I will build again the 
ruins thereof; and I will set it up: that the residue 
of men might seek after the Lord and all the Gen- 
tiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, 
who doeth all these things." Acts 15; 14 — 17. 

If the words of Jesus are good and true [as I 
really believe them to be] these scriptures must 
be fulfilled. He says all the Gentiles upon whom 
my name is called. Let us look to see which cf 



58 A STONE, 

the Gentile churches does not call upon the liame 
of the Lord Jesus. Now if they all call they should 
all respond to help fulfill his holy scripture, and 
help build up the tabernacle of David. Jesus did 
not call upon the churches under the title of Cath- 
olic or Episcopalian, or Methodist, or any other 
sectarian name, but upon all that call upon his 
name. So we come at once to the conclusion that 
Grod is an impartiar God, a real omnipotent and' 
omnipresent being, that takes cognizance of all his 
creatures alike. If he ever sent his xVngels to men, 
he will send them to you if you make yourself just 
as deserving as the prophets of old were. They 
gave their undivided attention to his work, they 
sought to know his holy will in all things. Instead 
of which nowadays ihey seek to see how they can 
cheat some of God's poor creatures or how they 
can become wealthy without the least consideration 
who they caused to suffer by it Some do not 
cheat their neighbors but themselves by serving 
mammon continually, not stopping to think long 
enough to know what they do believe. They trust 
altogether to their Pastor to think for them. 

They think if a man preaches he must assuredly 
be right. If he is ever so much of a gump they 
fall in with him. Especially if he dresses very 
nice and drives a slick horse he can be exalted in 
their minds to do all their praying for them. 

I would not like to hazard my future by trust- 
ing to any man's ideas, nor do I wish any one to 



A STONE. 59 

trust to mine but let every one investigate into the 
spiritual according as his capacity will admit after 
giving himself a proper opportunity: taking the 
precious moments Grod has given him or her to be- 
come acquainted with the Creator and his Angelic 
messengers or guardian spirits which attend every 
mortal and will manifest if permitted to by the 
seekers. There are certain laws to comply with ' 
to bring to our aid those that have passed beyond ^ 
the vail. These laws were all understood by the 
apostles of Jesus and could be by us if we give our 
selves proper time to study them. I have learned 
certain rules about how the miracles was wrought 
which I am willing to give to those that are ready 
to receive them, for they must come forth to the 
world before long. 

This little book can't explain but a small part of 
the ideas touched upon. It requires a deal more 
time and an abler pen to carry out the design of 
this work. Had I the talents of some of our mod- 
ern thinkers or writers such as Professor Brittan 
or the noble minded P. B. Randolph to whom 
when the distributing angel went about giving 
talents unto men was bestowed more than a double 
share upon Randolph, tfien those brought forth 
more than an hundred fold, as any one can see by 
reading his deep and sensible work. All who have 
not seen his books would do well to peruse them, 
they pay well for the time spent with them. 

There are many of our modern writers who are 



60 A STONE. 

alive to most of these facts although some calling 
themselves spiritual are trying to dastroy the scrip- 
ture because they do not understand them. Still 
they are fulfilling them in spite of themselves. 

They have helped to manifest antichrist whom 
the book said should come and now already is in 
the world. The spirit of antichrist is showing its 
influence in all directions. If the eyes of the 
clergy do not unseal to the power of this prince of 
darkness and unite to overthrow his secret taber- 
nacles he will enter silently into their sanctuaries 
and steal away all the main forces of their sacred 
societies before they are aware of his wily acts. 

He will do more mischief than they will be able 
to repair while their probation lasts. 

I hear a voice, hark! 

All infidels are in the dark; 

Their words are very smooth and nice, 

Being inspired by Antichrist. 

It's just as well to let them be. 
Their eyes are scaled, they cannot see: 
They're being used just for a tool. 
Of Antichrist, old silly fool. 

A lady speaker says when we learn what life is, 
when we see within the circle of its beautiful truths 
that whatsoever is, has a blessing for us we shall 
find that what we call death is only a change in 
our development, the throwing off from the spirit 
of this cumbersome mantle of dust. And so life 



A STOJS^E. 61 

teaches that man lives forever! But can it demon- 
strate this? From time to time proofs have been 
given you. and at this time we will not multiply 
them, but we only refer you to that beautiful law 
of spirit seeing. Now many learned men will tell 
that they believe in clairvoyance and spiritual sight 
seeing. It is remarkable that they can believe so 
much, and not any more; but in saying so much do 
they not acknowledge indirectly still more that is 
unknown? What is clairvoyance? The vision of 
the human soul. What is it in man that sees or 
hears? It is not the man physical. It is not the 
ear that hears, for then the man entranced could 
hear what is going on around him, when he is no- 
toriously oblivious to such things. What is it that 
sees when the eyes are tightly bandaged? It is the 
spiritual vision of man; and the man who dies has 
this spiritual vision open so that he may see what 
is going on around him, though unseen to hie mor- 
tal eye. It is -'the power behind the throne," 
mightier than the throne itself, that sees and un- 
derstands; It is this power behind the material 
man which sees or hears independently of the use 
of physical organs. Now if a man sees independ- 
ently of the body we ask, what is it that sees? and 
the answer naturaly comes — It is the spirit the in- 
ner man that gives evidence that it sees. 

There are some most remarkable manifestations 
produced in the presence of some of our modern 
mediums. Most wonderful manifestations of skill 



62 A STONE. 

and direct sight are given in perfect darkness as 
many can testify. Now whence this power, this 
understanding of things passed and gone only by 
demonstrations of the departed dead or by the An- 
geUc messengers sent expressly for the purpose. 

If v/e admit so much we may as well admit a 
little more, even that God has sent back some mes- 
sengers of love to prepare us for the spiritual con- 
dition that our mundane sphere is fast approaching. 

Yea the earth is becoming spiritualized very fast. 

Some may doubt but the wise ones will take 
warning. The dead are already arising and have 
shown themselves to many in their spiritual robes. 

There is also a demonstration of the material 
bodies being restored. As I am informed by good 
authority there is a luminous substance arising 
from the graves at Mystic in Conn. In a valley 
this luminous substance is in human shape and can 
be seen or partly so by any who have the courage 
and will take the pains to go and see for themselves. 

We do not suppose this substance to be anything 
but the phosphorus that is emanating from the 
decaying bones tagether with the electric or adhe- 
sive qualities of the decaying matter confined for 
•a while to the grave, then arises to be taken by its 
former owner to clothe the spirit, to make it more 
tangible or so it can show itself to the inhabitants 
of earth preparatory to a general resurection. 

Those sights at Mystic and some other places 
can be seen the plainest in a dark foggy time, the 



A STONE. 63 

darker the better, Tliis may explain the myste- 
ries of ignis fatuus or jack of the lantern which so 
many have been deceived by and some have tried 
to follow through swamps and deep ravines. 

Perhaps the spirit owners had already got pos- 
session of their own risen materiality and showed 
themselves to prepare the minds of their friends, 
for all returning spirits seem to be interested in 
those they loved while on earth. 

We conclude from close investigation, that all 
true love and friendship, together with every 
virtue, is eternally written in the elements of life so 
plain that all will be easily understood in the here- 
after. Love cannot die. We have digressed some- 
what from our subject, but will return again for 
there is a genuine religion that cannot exist with- 
out faith^ for by faith the Master's work is made 
manifest. We fear that some of the ministers of 
Christ Jesus do not work by faith nowadays, for 
many of them say that all miracles are done away, 
that we have no need of any manifestations from 
the spiritual. Yet their church members keep 
leaving and go to be convinced of the immortal 
life to the mediums or to spiritual circles and they 
will continue to do so until you admit the very 
work that Christ did unto your churches. 

Do you not know that the very word Christ does 
itself imply the miraculous, the anointing of the 
spirit, the intervention of angels, and the dispen- 
sation of the fullness of times? A .gospel which 



64 A STONE. 

disowns inspiration and which denies the prophets, 
what is that as good news? Good news nowhere, 
what is that? A gospel of earthly origin, that is 
a contradiction in terms. Ministers of Jesus Christ, 
it is no gospel for you to be preaching. Why the 
very Jesus that you profess to follow told His fol- 
lowers that these signs shall follow them that be- 
lieve. You must either admit the miracles and 
the power of the Holy Grhost, or own that you are 
hypocrites, only pretending to be Christ's followers 
instead of being true Christians. Do you not see 
that your church is about to crumble into insignifi- 
cance? That your members are going off into the 
very quagmires and cesspools of infidelity? 

People with common sense will not be fed on 
chaff any longer. If you have no Holy Ghost to 
convey by the laying on of hands, there is some- 
thing wanting to make you a true Minister of Je- 
sus. For His followers had power to heal the sick, 
and to convey the spirit by laying on hands, also 
all the spiritual gifts. It is time for you to go in- 
to practical work, or loose your flock, who will go 
where they can be fed by something more substan- 
tial. Hundreds of intelligent persons are already 
fed by the living water of the spirit. If you cry 
out such a vulgar belief as to believe in ghosts: 
so was Christianity a vulgar belief to the an- 
cient Jews and the Scribes and Pharisees. They 
called Jesus vulgar and put him to death yet his 
works lived and flourished for many years, while 



A STONE. 65 

his disciples went forth conquering and to conquer. 

But when the true church was swallowed up by 
Romanism and charity was no longer known among 
men, the sick ceased to be cured, the dead to make 
themselves manifest, then the church lost its pow- 
er to baptise in the name of the Lord. Then the 
Romans assumed power of their own and pretend- 
ed to belong to St. Peter's See, but they can't show 
you the time of their connecting themselves to the 
apostolic church. We have tried for years to find 
the connecting link between the Catholic and 
Apostolic churches, but in vain the search has 
been. We have employed several learned divines 
and D. l)'s to search for us but they can't connect 
into five hundred years. The last of the true fol- 
lowers was- in the days of one Polycarp who lived 
about five hundred years after Christ's time. He 
did several miracles, such as healing the sick and 
raising the dead, which is the last trace of the 
apostolic succession to be found on record. Now 
if they have no authority from God what use to be' 
baptised by them. Then if the catholic authori- 
ty is good why in the name of common sense do 
not people go to the Catholic Priests for baptism. 

They must be nearer right than those that have 
fallen ofi", or not right at all. We do not like the 
idea of men using authority that does not belong 
to them. Such stolen power will only be reward- 
ed by iniquity. Oh! Oh! look to these things and 
not follow the masses any longer, but seek the true 



e6 A STONE, 

spiritual baptism wliich you can have if your faith 
is right and your heart honest. You may be bap- 
tised with fire and the Holy Grhost, just as well a? 
to accept those vain delusions that have been hand- 
ed down from generation to generation, which is 
nothing more nor less than a false tradition of 
our fore-fathers. John the Baptist told his follow- 
ers "that he baptised unto repentance, but there 
Cometh one after me that shall baptise you with 
fire and the Holy Grhost." Now men, women and 
brethern seek for the living fire and the Holy 
Spirit will enlighten you on these all-important 
subjects. You say you do not believe, neither did 
the wicked Jews. I tell you once more this is 
the very kind of disbelief that shuts up your un- 
derstanding and keeps you in the dark. I here- 
in bear you living witness that I have been en- 
lightened by the Holy Spirit, and will here tell 
you how you can know when the spirit comes up- 
on you. You will see through materiality, you 
will be in one place and know what is going on in 
another place. I have seen the time when this 
immortal light was so strong upon me that I could 
sit in my room and see plain enough to read the 
inscription upon an envelope at the post office that 
was four miles away, or I could see what was pas- 
sing in the minds of those around me. Do not 
suppose that I intend to carry the idea that a per- 
son can remain long at a time in such a state. 
It is the falling of the Holy Spirit upon one 



A STONE. 67 

tliat gives these sights, it i« a foretaste of immor- 
tality. It would be impossible to always remain 
in the immortal light for it is the spirit of God 
that is upon us at those times. If it remained long 
we should be translated as was Enoch or Elijah. 

Now, friend do not say in your heart that such 
things are impossible, there is much more in these 
spirit lights than many understand, yet they are 
growing plainer all the time. For we are approach- 
ing a new spiritual era. When a person sees by 
the spirit they see at times within the spiritual 
world. These visions prepare the spirit for the 
immortal change. Death is no longer a dread to 
me. I sometimes feel anxious to go to those beau- 
tiful realms that have been shown me so, many 
times. People would see such things much often- 
er if they would labor less and ponder more, for 
as Christ said no one can serve Grod and mammon. 

'So choose ye whom you will serve'. If you seek 
deep your minds will unfold, your thoughts will 
multiply, knowledge will come to you independent 
of books or the traditions of others. You will be 
compensated by the view of the angels, you will 
have permission of the merciful God to lay down 
your cross and trials, then be borne towards the 
living Son of God the true sun of indestructible 
joys. Loving thoughts and noble deeds will spring 
up before you, a new heaven and a new earth, will 
loom up before your adventurous spirit that has 



68 A STONE. 

been fed by the comforter that was to come. 

Unspeakable delights are held in store for the 
righteous. You will be borne along until a bound- 
less eternity will expand before your fleeting gaze. 

After becoming conscious that the highway of 
holiness can be built upon earth, you will be wil- 
ling to enter this broad field of progression leading 
to the higher spheres of divine grandeur and ever- 
lasting peace. 

If you should fail in your searches after the 
spiritual light you may be sure you have not sought 
aright. After directly and indirectly laying your 
case before the invisible Judge if you still fail it 
may be well to seek council of those that are in 
advance of you. but do not be discouraged or easily 
frightened. For when you have sought sorrowing 
as long as the Author of this Stone did; or in 
much less time you will be convinced or enlighten- 
ed by the true spirit of God. for He is no respecter 
of persons, although it seems at times as if He was. 

My dear reader, I sought ten long years secret- 
ly day and night in every available way possible, 
to learn whether there really existed a power out- 
side man that ever would manifest itself in any 
possible way to mortals, or whether all the world 
was deluded and man was like a mushroom or some 
plant springing from nature, or from nature's God 
that we read and hear so much about from a cer- 
tain class of naturalists who have fallen a little 
short of the realized light. 



A STONE 69 

Many have taken up with a few simple commu- 
nications from their departed friends, or from some 
spirit that ought to be commanded to depart. For 
all such I feel a strong friendship, for I once stood 
right upon the same ground they do. Yes, dear 
one's, with charity I can embrace you so long as 
you think you are right. But beware, beware, I 
found that I was wrong, I fouud that the pure in 
heart c )uld see Grod and his holy angels. lam now 
willing to instruct you as far as lieth in my power. 
I will hold correspondence as I said before or will 
answer calls to kcture on these subjects herein con- 
tained. Arise, arise, all ye that wish to be faith- 
ful and investigate as closely as possible. Come 
and learn how to obtain the true light as far as I 
ought to impart even by command. To all such I 
would say my experience has given me ample time 
to investigate and learn to my own satisfaction that 
there is a mighty will that controlls nature's God. 
Having once been a worshiper of nature I feel 
competent to sympathize with others, especially 
those who wish to progress, for 'onward and up- 
ward' should be the course of all until they know 
the Supreme Grod; for it is promised that all will 
know the Lord from the least to the greatest. 

I purpose to answer calls to Lecture upon all 
the subjects touched upon in this little book, also 
all kindred subjects. Evidently all the wise ones 
will inform themselves as fast as practicable, wom- 
en as well as men, for womanliness as well as 



70 A STONE 

mauliness is coming up bye and bye. We are 
going to have universal justice, and then we may 
hope for universal happiness. Look, oh fair sons 
and daughters of Zion to see where the stones are 
to be gathered from, for humanity is marching on- 
ward and every representxition of progress must 
be made manifest. We must have a sacred retreat 
somewhere where our children can receive liberal 
education, also a home for the weary of both sexes, 
where they can retire where theif garnered glories 
of the years that have sped away can shine forth 
under a firmament of light and peace. Where 
every virtue will be recognized that characterised 
them. The forces of such a combination jire re- 
quired for general development and protection 
against the unfavorable conditions of the nineteenth 
century. The great responsibilities resting upon 
all those who profess to teach almost paral> zes the 
aspirants. For they know so many faults are to 
be over come, so many evidences of evil to be de- 
stroyed or hid from the institution, it seems next 
to impossible. But God is able to bring about 
this Herculean task. The regeneration of His 
numerous people is but a short work when union 
is strong between God and men. Suddenly the 
vitalizing of immortal light will shine into our 
camp. The protecting angels will be with us with 
an innumerable host, as showed themselves to the 
servant Elisha when the Syrian army was gathered 
at Dothan, when Elisha prayed, and said Lord I 



A STONE. Tl 

pray thee open his eyes, that he may see. And the 
Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he 
saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses 
and chariots of fire round about Elisha. Angels 
of the Lord encamp about them that fear him. 

Now may the angels open the eyes of the people 
of earth that they may no longer be selfish but 
help to build up a spiritual Priesthood and a sanct- 
uary acceptable to Grod and his true followers, where 
their thoughts may be directed to goodness and 
grandeur and holiness to the Lord until the end. 

The Author's address is, 

Box 7, SOUTHFORD, 
NEW HAYEN CO., 
CONN, 



MY rs. 

I wish you all to understand 

I wrote this book at Grod's command, 

I scorn no poor, no rich I fear, 

I expect no crown of laurels here, 

I live a plain unpretending life, 

I am nothing but a farmers wife, 

I throw this stone to every one, 

I know my labor is almost done, 

I shall soon be done with a world like this, 

I shall then be crowned with immortal bliss. 



72 A STONE, 

Since our works are well begun, 

We will sing a song of the little stone; 

We will bang our harps on Zion's wall, 

From whence sweet strains of music fall. 

She shall he built, King David cried, 

Who sang of her with kingly pride. 

She shall be built on mountain high, 

With towering heights where eagles fly. 

Let Bethlehem's star light crown her steeple^ 

The Lord reigns King, among his people. 

The stones rejoice and sing aloud. 

At sight of such a glorious crowd, 

G-athered from every distant isle. 

The face of the King doth on her smile, 

The Highway of Holiness built for her, 

Wherein wayfarers shall not err. 

Sing ye Daughters every one! 

Rejoice at Zion, each lofty stone! 

Lift up her gates, great King of Glory! 

While Angel Seraphs shout the story. 



Lo, what beauties we behold, 
A City trimmed and paved with gold; 
There Love will like a billow roll. 
When man shall meet his fellow soul. 

The Tree of Life how wide 'tis spread, 
Where groom and bride alike are fed; 
Neither of them seek for power, 
Love reigns supreme in Eden's bower. 



A STONE, 73 



Scenes familiar as the grass, 
Where living millions sport, 

Will teach us wisdom as we pass, 
If we these lessons court. 

Frail mortals seek some great account, 
When thej would feign be wise; 

And leave the pure and holy fount, 
To fade before their eyes. 

Priestcraft, Witchcraft never touch, 
All false traditions leave behind; 

Of prejudice don't have too much. 
If you intend the truth to find. 

Spirits immortal watch each youth, 
While o'er life's seas they sail! 

If they perceive you seek the truth, 
They'll then withdraw the vail. 

There you'll behold the fount of love. 
Wide spread before your eyes; 

Drink deep then, pure and holy dove, 
The fountain never dries. 

For Angels play about the pool, 
A bright and glittering band; 

For love and harmony doth rule, 
Within the spirit land. 



74 A STONE. 



The following eommunication was written by a lady 
while in a trance state, with the request that it should, 
be published in this work. 

We are followers of that Jesus, wlio ate with 
the publicans and the sinners; who was not afraid 
that his garments would be soiled by coming in 
contact with those who were bound b) the slavish 
chains of sin, who were asking — Who shall show 
us any good? We are followers of that Jesus who 
came to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. 

We are now upon the eve of a new dispensation. 
A new era is bursting upon us. And behold! a 
new Heavens and a new Earth shall appear unto 
you. And there shall be signs in the Heavens 
above, and in the earth beneath; and thou shalt 
watch the signs of the times and verily, thou shalt 
see our prophecies fulfilled. A new Heavens and 
a new Earth shall appear, and the Son of Man 
shall work righteousness therein; and the seven 
Golden Candlesticks shall be removed out of their 
places, and the Great I Am, shall hold the Stars 
in his right hand, and His chosen people shall be 
gathered together from the four winds of Heaven; 
and Zion shall be built up, and shall flourish like 
the Green Bay Tree, and the Bow of promise shall 
be in the cloud which overshadoweth her. 

And I beheld and saw the new Jerusalem, com- 
ing down out of Heaven, and the Son of Man com- 
ing in the clouds of Heaven with myriads of An- 
gels. And I looked again, and beheld the great 
Wheel of Progress, which had come from the hand 
of the Infinite, and saw many spokes therein, the 
black ones extracted therefrom, and those clothed 
in the garb of snowy whiteness, with purity en- 
graven upon their foreheads: for nothing unclean, 



A STONE. 75 

neitlier anything which defileth, or maketh a lie, 
shall enter within any Sacred Temple or dwell in 
all my Holy Mount, saith Jehovah. None but 
those who are shod with the Sandals of Salvation. 
And I looked again, and beheld a Sea of Glory, 
and in the midst thereof, I saw a Book opened 
which was the Book of Life, and I saw the Angel 
write therein; these are they who worship before 
the Throne both night and day, who have come 
up out of great tribulation, who have washed their 
robes and made them white in the blood of the 
Lamb. And I saw the Recording Angel with a 
Pen of Grold, and I heard him say unto me- Write 
these things, for thou art a Chosen Vessel of mer- 
cy unto the Lord, and a Priestess unto God, set 
apart to do His work, as He shall command thee. 
Go! preach the Everlasting Gospel of Jesus to those 
who are in Bondage. Thou shalt go whithersoever 
His Wisdom shall dictate and direct thee. And I 
looked again and behold, I saw the Mother of God, 
and the Son of God was v/ith her as she walked 
through a Sea of Golden Light, as she walked in 
the midst of the Seven Golden Candlesticks, and 
behold a Scroll was in her right hand, and she said 
Whosoever is worthy may read the hidden myste- 
ries thereof, and it shall no longer remain a Sealed 
Book unto them, and whosoever believeth will I 
give of the Cup of the Vine, and I will gather 
mine Elect from the four winds of Heaven, and 
from the uttermost parts of the Earth, and they 
shall be a Peculiar people unto me saith the Lord 
Jehovah, and I will put my mark in their fore- 
heads, and they shall prophecy unto me, and I will 
pour out my Spirit upon them. 



76 A STONE. 



Bright waters now are gliding, 
Down Time's verdant glen, 

Kind spirits are providing, 

For the daughters fair of men. 

The flowers are now entwining 
Love, by Time's limpid stream; 

Soon there'll be no repining, 
Life surely is no dream. 

Bright hopes will soon be springing 
From Love's entwined wreath; 

And merry voices singing 
Along each floral heath. 

Bich flowers are now unfolding 
Their petals, toward the sky, 

Grreat minds are now remoulding 
Their memories for on high. 

Bipe fruit you will be gathering, 
Beyond the shores of time; 

Thy flowers will there b'^, blooming, 
Where love and music chime. 



A STONE. 77 



THE WORLD IS RIPE ENOUGH. 

The world is exactly ripe eiiougli to reap im- 
mortal truth; yes, to receive the golden gem from 
the oldest man to youth. The world is ripe enough 
to build up Zion's wall, to gather every one that 
is good whether great or small, this world is ripe 
to gather in one hall. Spirits and angels let them 
come with influence for all: with love and light 
for all. The world is ripe enough liberal for to 
grow. To divide the wealth God has given us to 
all mortals here below. The world is ripe enough 
for wisdom's ways to spread; for every great aspir- 
ing mind with wisdom to be fed. This world is 
ripe enough through every land and nation, for 
every honest seeker to be filled with inspiration. 

The world is exactly ripe enough for women all 
to vote, to drive intemperance from all homes by 
the sword of the petticoat. For Jesus to descend 
with glory from on high, to conquer death the dis- 
mal fiend, so mortals need not die. Then let us 
all shout victory throughout the universe, and sing 
the earth is ripe enough, let every one rehearse. 

The world is ripe enough to call one grand con- 
vention, there vote down every fault that's big 
enough to mention. Let the angels all descend and 
join the Heavenly choir, since the earth is rips 
enough, what more can man desire? 



78 A STONE. 

DEATH. 

Death indeed is but a birth, 
Born to light from this dark earth; 
Born in circles full of bliss, 
Far superior to this. 

Unmanacled and freed from clay, 
Spirits in their circles play; 
Then return to friends on earth, 
To tell that death is but a birth. 

Born to know that God is Love, 
Reigning in those realms above; 
We can watch our friends so dear, 
While travelling this earthly sphere. 

We can mesmerize a friend, 
Sweet communion through him send 
To our friend, we've left behind. 
And becalm his troubled mind. 

Drive dark clouds from earth away, 
Drink sweet light. from endless day; 
Shout and sing ye sons of earth! 
Since death is nothing but a birth. 
i^ »» ♦ >♦ » 

Thus endeth this Book of Progression, 
Let it go forth swift to the world; 

To the people of every profession, 
Let its precepts swiftly be hurled. 



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